"Escalating Gang Violence: Ecuador's President Confronts Army Amid Crisis"

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to combat armed gangs responsible for a wave of violence across the country. More than 300 suspects have been arrested, and the president has challenged the gangs to take on the soldiers instead of targeting civilians. The surge in attacks was triggered by the escape of notorious gang leaders from prison, leading to riots and a significant increase in violence. President Noboa has labeled 22 criminal groups as "terrorist gangs" and declared an "internal armed conflict," allowing soldiers to patrol the streets and search for weapons and suspects.